Agenda item

Proposed cable route in conjunction with approved solar farm developments (North Farm Solar Farm ref. P/FUL/2023/02829 and Woodlands Solar Farm ref. P/FUL/2023/03415) at Mannington, Horton.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal together with the relevant planning policies. An update slide was presented, which included changes to conditions 3 and 12 and the inclusion of an informative to satisfy the Cranborne Chase National Landscape officer that previously approved landscaping needs to be adhered to. 

Members were shown the application site, its boundaries and surrounding context, including previously approved solar farms and the Mannington Substation to the southeast. The presentation highlighted nearby designations, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, together with the wider Green Belt context.  

The Case Officer explained that two potential cable routes, extending to almost 10km, had been identified to connect the approved solar farms to the National Grid. Approximately 83% of the route would be located within existing highway verges, with around 17% crossing undeveloped land. A preferred route was shown, although the final route would be secured through planning conditions. Indicative trench details and cable design were presented, and Members were advised that all affected land would be reinstated following construction and this was secured by condition.  

The Committee was advised that statutory consultation had been undertaken through site and press notices. Objections had been received from the Horton Ward Councillor, as detailed within the officer report. 

The main planning considerations included the principle of development, Green Belt impact, landscape and visual impact, heritage assets, residential amenity, highways, flood risk, trees and biodiversity. The proposal was considered acceptable in principle, having regard to the NPPF and its role in supporting renewable energy infrastructure. As the cable would be underground, officers considered there would be no significant harm to the character of the area, heritage assets or openness of the Green Belt. 

Potential construction impacts relating to noise, dust and traffic would be temporary and controlled through conditions. A Traffic Management Plan had been submitted; no new accesses were proposed and neither Dorset Highways nor National Highways had raised objections. Flood risk consultees had also raised no objections, subject to conditions. 

The impact on trees was considered minimal, with appropriate tree and hedgerow protection measures proposed. Whilst some woodland loss would occur within the Mannington Substation SNCI, biodiversity mitigation and compensation, including new woodland planting would be secured as part of the development. 

In conclusion, the Case Officer advised that all planning considerations had been found acceptable. The cable route would enable previously approved solar farms to connect to the National Grid, contributing to Dorset Council's climate objectives, without causing harm to the Green Belt. The officer recommendation was to Grant planning permission subject to conditions. 

Public Participation 

The Agent addressed the Committee and advised that the proposed cable route was essential to the operation of the development. She explained that the applicant had identified the most suitable route with the least environmental impact, supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, and noted that no objections had been received. The route would follow existing hedgerows and highway verges wherever possible to minimise impacts, with construction managed through the laying of cable in small sections and the coordination of works to avoid overlap with other local projects. Ms L Leyland highlighted the ecological enhancements proposed as part of the scheme and confirmed that planning conditions would secure measures to protect existing trees. Whilst acknowledging there would be some short-term disruption during construction, she emphasised the urgent need for renewable energy infrastructure and the benefits of enabling solar farm development. 

Members questions and comments 

• Cllr Tooke suggested that an informative note be included drawing attention to the use of advanced boring technology, where appropriate. 

• Members thanked officers for the comprehensive report and presentation. 

• Members sought clarification regarding the protection of hedgerows and the findings of the flood risk assessment. 

• Members welcomed the retention of previously approved planting proposals, noting that these would help protect the landscape character and mitigate visual impacts. 

• Cllr Northam referred to comments from the Parish Council regarding the potential development of a footpath and suggested that discussions take place between the Parish Council and the applicant to explore whether this could be achieved outside of the planning process. 

• Members queried the anticipated commencement of works. Concerns were raised regarding potential conflicts with other planned roadworks in the area, and Members emphasised the importance of coordinating activities to minimise disruption. 

• Members sought confirmation that construction activities would be undertaken during normal daytime working hours  

• Members queried whether there would be opportunities to undertake wildflower seeding following completion of the cable installation works. 

• Members requested clarification on how Biodiversity Net Gain measures would be monitored and managed over the lifetime of the development. 

• Cllr Coombs emphasised the importance of managing any works undertaken, particularly in relation to the timing of operations and minimising disruption to the local highway network. It was suggested that, if this could not be secured through a planning condition, an informative note be included drawing the developer’s attention to these considerations. 

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Toni Coombs, and seconded by Cllr Belinda Rideout, subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report, the updates reported to the Committee, with the addition of informative notes drawing the developer’s attention to the use of advanced cabling technology and to the careful management of construction operations to minimise disruption. 

Decision: To grant for the reasons set out in Section 18 of the officer’s report, the updates reported to the committee, with the addition of informative notes to the use of advanced cabling technology and the careful management of construction operations.